The Premier League Darts 2027 is already taking shape, with venues confirmed and ticket updates available from February 12th. While the format is expected to remain unchanged, featuring eight top players, a surprising detail has emerged from the promotional material: the absence of darts legend Michael van Gerwen (MVG). This raises serious questions about his future in the prestigious tournament, as his current ranking trajectory suggests he could fall to 20th by 2027. However, with new stars like Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gian Van Veen dominating the spotlight, the darts world is abuzz with predictions for a potentially historic lineup.
The Road to Premier League 2027: Early Preparations
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has already set the wheels in motion for the 2027 Premier League Darts season. Venues have been confirmed, and fans eager to secure their spots can sign up for ticket updates starting February 12th this year. This early announcement signals the PDC’s commitment to planning well in advance.
The tournament format, despite some critics, appears set to continue as is, given its consistent high viewing figures and impressive ticket sales. This means we can expect the thrilling competition to feature **eight of the world’s elite darts players** battling it out week after week.
The Unthinkable: A Premier League Without MVG?
One of the most talked-about aspects of the early 2027 buzz is the promotional poster. It prominently features the current top three stars and those projected to dominate in 2027: **Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gian Van Veen**. Strikingly, **Michael van Gerwen (MVG), a perennial Premier League fixture and multiple-time champion, is nowhere to be seen**. This is an unprecedented omission for a player of his stature.
This absence isn’t entirely without a basis in recent form. Over the past two years in ranking events, MVG’s performance has seen a dip. If his form from 2024 and 2025 were to continue into 2026, **MVG is projected to be ranked as low as 20th by 2027**. While he’s had a strong start to 2026 with a World Series win, a Premier League nightly victory, and a final appearance, he will need to significantly improve his ranking trajectory to secure a spot.
The idea of a Premier League Darts without MVG feels almost unbelievable to many fans. While he might be offered a place to honor his incredible record and standing in the sport, this could prove unpopular with some fans and even MVG himself, who prefer places to be earned strictly on merit. However, I personally predict that **MVG will find a way to make it into the 2027 Premier League**, one way or another, securing one of the eight coveted spots.
The New Faces and Dominators
With MVG’s potential spot considered, that leaves four more places to fill after the clear frontrunners. The poster boys, **Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gian Van Veen (GVV)**, are currently dominating finals and are widely expected to be guaranteed selections for 2027. Their consistent high-level play and popularity make them undeniable choices.
The Contenders: Who Else Is Vying for a Spot?
Beyond the confirmed or highly probable four, the competition for the remaining spots will be fierce. Here’s a look at the key contenders:
- Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price: Both had strong 2025 seasons. They will be banking on their current prize money advantage to hold onto their Premier League places.
- Stephen Bunting: After fading somewhat in 2025, Bunting will need a remarkably strong 2026 season to secure his spot in 2027.
- Josh Rock: Currently ranked ninth for 2027, Rock will be hoping his 2026 Premier League appearance isn’t a one-off. He’ll need to maintain or significantly improve his ranking, or reach – and ideally win – a major final.
- Nathan Aspinall, James Wade, and Danny Noppert: These players missed out on the 2026 Premier League and will be incredibly determined to make themselves undeniable picks for 2027.
- Gary Anderson: Despite his high world ranking, Anderson sometimes appears less interested in the demanding Premier League schedule.
- Ryan Searle: Searle possesses immense talent but has publicly downplayed his own chances, despite his capabilities.
Beyond the Top 12: Emerging Talents
While the primary focus is on the established names and rising stars, a few outsiders could potentially break through if they have a stellar 2026. Names like **Wessel Nijman** and **Martin Schindler** are often mentioned as dark horses who could surprise the darts world.
My 2027 Premier League Predictions
Based on current form, projections, and a bit of informed speculation, here are my eight predictions for the 2027 Premier League Darts lineup:
- Luke Littler
- Luke Humphries
- Gian Van Veen (GVV)
- Michael van Gerwen (MVG)
- Jonny Clayton
- Gerwyn Price
- Nathan Aspinall
- Danny Noppert
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
